Student Worksheet

Lesson: Temperature and the Earth's Atmosphere

Directions: After reading the background information on the Windows to
the Universe web site, complete data table #1.

Data Table #1

Atmospheric Layer

Based on the background information, list important characteristics
of each layer.

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Mesosphere

Thermosphere

Ionosphere

Exosphere

Directions: Refer to the graph, “The Average Temperature
Profile of the Earth’s Atmosphere” found on Windows to the
Universe, and complete the data tables.

Data Table #2

Atmospheric Layer

Exists between which altitudes (km)

Thickness (km)
(Hint: subtract)

Maximum Temperature (°C)

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Mesosphere

Thermosphere

Ionosphere

Exosphere

Directions: Study and analyze the graph, “The Average
Temperature Profile of the Earth’s Atmosphere” as you complete
Table 3:

Data Table #3

Atmospheric Layer

Describe what happens to the temperature as altitude increases. Be
sure to note specific altitudes where abrupt changes occur and how
each layer is heated.

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Mesosphere

Thermosphere

Ionosphere

Exosphere

Analysis Questions:

Study the graph, "The Average Temperature Profile of the Earth's
Atmosphere". Does information there help you to explain why scientists
decided where one layer of atmosphere ended and the next one began? Explain
your answer.

What
important layer exists within the stratosphere? ____________________

What
is the importance of this layer within the stratosphere?

After reviewing
the effects of both “good” and “bad” ozone,
how do you think our lives would be different if the “good” ozone
were destroyed?

What important layer exists within the thermosphere? ___________________

What is the importance of this layer within the thermosphere?

After reading the section, “Regions of the Ionosphere”,
summarize the differences between the D, E, and F layers. Be sure to
pay close attention to which wavelengths of sunlight are absorbed and which
wavelengths are reflected.

Ionospheric Layer

Characteristics

F

E

D

If the ionosphere did not exist, what do you think might be
some possible consequences to humans? Think about which wavelengths
the ionosphere blocks and what would happen if these wavelengths were allowed
through the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface.

Read the section, "The Sun's Effect on the Ionosphere".
How does an increase in solar activity affect the ionosphere? Why
do you think this affect on the ionosphere is observed on the dayside
and not the night side of the Earth?

What is photoionization?

Extension Questions:

Give a possible explanation as to why the density
of the ionosphere is greater at low latitudes (30°S to 30°N)
than at high latitudes (polar regions). (HINT: Think about the effect
of the
Sun on the ionosphere
and where on the Earth the most direct rays of sunlight are received.)

The
density of the atmosphere decreases as altitude increases. Give a
possible explanation for this relationship.

Give a possible explanation as to why the density of the ionosphere
increases during the day or during higher solar activity. (HINT: Think
about when the Sun’s effect reaches a maximum during the day
and what happens during solar flares.)